BMW · BMW R SERIES · Cars
BMW R SERIES Ultra-rare
As of 2025 Q4, 3 BMW R SERIESs remain registered in the UK — one of the rarest cars in Britain on today's roads. That's down from a peak of 4 in 2015 Q2 — only 75% of the high-water mark, a loss of about 1 cars. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 1 (50.0%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. In all, the BMW R SERIES is rarer than 87% of the 2,408 UK car models we track, putting it firmly in 2025's endangered class.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Genuinely rare — only 3 left on UK roads.
Rarer than 87% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Fuel breakdown
Trend
About the R SERIES
The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000. It was introduced in November 1997, and available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact. The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six...
BMW R SERIES — questions & answers
How many BMW R SERIES are left in the UK?
As of 2025 Q4, 3 BMW R SERIES were still registered in the UK — 1 licensed and on the road, plus 2 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the BMW R SERIES rare?
The BMW R SERIES is genuinely rare, with only 3 left, making it rarer than 87% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Is the BMW R SERIES increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of BMW R SERIES on UK roads rose by 1 (50.0%).
What fuel do most BMW R SERIES use?
Most BMW R SERIES run on petrol — about 67% of those still registered, with the rest split across diesel.
When did the BMW R SERIES peak?
The BMW R SERIES peaked at 4 registered in 2015 Q2, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.